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Banker to lead Chamber in 2013

Next three chair-elects in place

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

FORT LAUDERDALE--A BankAtlantic/BB&T executive, land use attorney, and hospital administrator will be the next three chairs of the Board of Directors of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce as reviewed and confirmed by the Board of Directors last night.

Chuck Mohr, president of retail banking for BankAtlantic, a wholly owned subsidiary of BB&T, will be the 103 Chairman of the Board taking office January 1, 2013. Courtney Crush, Crush Law, was confirmed by the Board as 2014 Chair-Elect, and Calvin Glidewell, CEO of Broward General Medical Center and Chris Evert Children's Hospital, was approved as the 2015 Chair-Elect Designate.

“It will be an honor to serve as chair of this relevant business organization that is a leader for South Florida,” said Mohr. “Current Chair Andreas Ioannou, general manager, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort and Galleryone, has set the bar high as he continues our tradition of great leadership. We plan to expand our focus on regional issues related to Port Everglades expansion, international trade, education/workforce development, regulatory reform and transportation,” Mohr added.

The Chamber has led the charge for economic growth on projects creating jobs. Broward County has led South Florida in job formation with unemployment currently dropping to 7.8 percent in August (77,708 collecting unemployment), beating both the national average of 9 percent and contiguous counties. Miami-Dade stood at 9.4 percent during the same period while Palm Beach was at 9.6 percent (121,866 and 59,016 respectively).

Other business considered by Directors: An employment initiative, led by former Chamber Chair Stephen Moss, Holland + Knight, called Mission United, created by United Way, was presented. The newly launched program focuses on connecting employers to returning military for career opportunities. For more information go to www.MissionUnited.org.

Directors were briefed on an employment trends survey for businesses in South Florida that is being conducted by Nova Southeastern University in concert with the Chamber’s workforce initiative. Dr. Preston Jones, interim Dean of the H. Wayne Huizenga Business School, vice chair of Education/Workforce Development, is leading our efforts.

Chamber members will soon be receiving a new publication from the Chamber called “The Business Of Greater Fort Lauderdale” as part of an enhanced communications strategy headed by Gary Bitner, Bitner Goodman, vice chair of Communications. Monthly news releases will be increased with relevant regional emphasis coupled with enhanced media partner coverage.

Chairman Ioannou reviewed proposals presented to the Tourist Development Council (TDC) regarding a Grand Prix race to be held as early as November 2013. The group is requesting $20 million of tourist development tax support over five years for the effort. TDC members also heard a request from the Museum of Science and Discovery for $2 million to upgrade its physical plant and IMAX theater. Both proposals will require approval by County Commissioners.

Lastly, Mike Walters, PNC, Chamber Treasurer, covered financials which forecasted a slight profit for 2012, and Robert Esposito, CFO for Stiles, was approved for a seat on the Board.